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Lee Byung-hun says filming "The Influence" was like shooting "IRIS"

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has said that working on his new film "The Influence" felt like an extension of shooting his KBS blockbuster TV series "IRIS" from last year.

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Speaking at the film's showcase held Tuesday at Seoul CGV Multiplex, the Hallyu star described the experience as "shooting the 22nd episode of "IRIS" because filming for "The Influence" started right after "IRIS" ended".

"It was difficult and I felt burdened but I liked working with director Lee Jae-gyoo, whom I had wanted to work with", the Hallyu star said. "Personally I like movies with an element of fantasy to it so I was able to act freely and have fun".

When asked about taking on three characters in the film, the actor joked that he was "in live-or-die state at the time so ego division came naturally".

He added that although playing the part was difficult it was "experimental and fun portraying different characters who had derived from one person".

"The Influence", a 60-minute online mystery film, is by Lee Jae-gyoo who has directed several hit TV series including "Damo" and "Beethoven Virus".

The three-episode pic, about a man who has to make a choice on his path to fulfilling a promise made many years ago, also stars a handful of notable Korean actors including Han Chae-young, Jun No-min, Kim Tae-woo and Jo Jae-hyun.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea with dozens of television dramas and films under his belt. He had a particularly successful year in 2009, making his Hollywood debut in action flick "G.I. Joe" and co-starring with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura in "I Come With The Rain".

He also led a star-studded cast in blockbuster drama "IRIS", for which he picked up the grand prize at KBS Acting Awards.

The film's premiere episode airs today on the Internet.

Actress Han Chae-young, director Lee Jae-gyoo and actor Lee Byung-hun [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

From left, actress Han Chae-young, director Lee Jae-gyoo and actor Lee Byung-hun pose during a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010.

Actor Lee Byung-hun [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Actor Lee Byung-hun attends a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010.

 

Actor Lee Byung-hun [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Actor Lee Byung-hun poses during a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010.

Actress Han Chae-young [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Actress Han Chae-young speaks during a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010.

Actress Han Chae-young [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

Actress Han Chae-young poses during a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010.

 

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr
Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@10asia.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
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